Heritage of America

Follow the epic story of American democracy. Spend two nights in New York City before heading to Philadelphia to view the Liberty Bell and see Independence Hall. Walk the hallowed battlefield at Gettysburg and tour the National Military Park & Museum. Enjoy a choice between visiting President Eisenhower's home (a National Historic Site) or a walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg. Travel along the famous Skyline drive for amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley. Visit the presidential estates of Washington's Mount Vernon and Jefferson's Monticello and sample wines from a picturesque Virginia vineyard. Tour some of Colonial Williamsburg's 88 restored historic buildings and dine in a traditional tavern. Learn about the American Revolution at Yorktown and explore the outdoor living history museum, including a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. Explore the countless treasures of the Smithsonian Institution with your choice of visiting the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Tour Washington, D.C.'s National Mall and view the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Visit Arlington National Cemetery.

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New York City: Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast at the famous Ellen's Stardust Diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the 'Big Apple.' You'll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street District, Chinatown, Central Park, and other time-honored landmarks. Visit St. Paul's Chapel in Lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Center site. This afternoon, discover 'the city that never sleeps' at your own pace.

New York City - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Gettysburg: This morning you'll choose from a menu of New York's diners for breakfast. Next, travel to Philadelphia and embark on a tour of 'the Birthplace of a New Nation.' See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to Gettysburg, site of the Union victory and a turning point in the Civil War. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a historic Gettysburg tavern.

Gettysburg: Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum. Begin your tour with the film 'A New Birth of Freedom.' Then, lose yourself in Paul Philippoteaux's Cyclorama from 1884, a breathtaking 360 cylindrical painting depicting Pickett's Charge. Explore the Museum of the American Civil War and its galleries. Step onto the battlefield with a guided tour of the site illuminating those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. This afternoon it's your choice! Visit President Eisenhower's home and farm (a National Historic Site); this site served as the President's weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders during the Cold War-era tensions. Or, embark on a guided walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg with a local expert dressed in period clothing.

Gettysburg - Shenandoah Valley - Charlottesville, Virginia: En route to Virginia we pass through Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive. Travel along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the scenic wilderness extends in all directions. This evening, enjoy dining at a local restaurant.

Charlottesville - Williamsburg: Visit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. The third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was an accomplished inventor and true 'Renaissance man.' Stop at a family-run vineyard set in the picturesque Virginia countryside for a tour and tasting of the local wines .This afternoon we arrive in historic Williamsburg. Tonight, dine in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specializing in revolutionary-era fare.

Colonial Williamsburg - Yorktown - Williamsburg: Step back in time. The short film, 'Story of a Patriot,' is your introduction to Colonial Williamsburg where costumed re-enactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing 1770 to life. Tour the Governor's Palace and Gardens; then feel free to wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the 88 historic buildings. This afternoon we visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Experience another poignant turning point in American history as you immerse yourself in the world of Revolutionary America and learn how American independence was won at the Yorktown Battlefield. Tour the museum's vibrant galleries and interactive exhibits in a state-of-the-art setting that will impact all your senses. Explore the expanded outdoor living history museum with a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.

Williamsburg - Washington, D.C.: Depart for for Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Then, travel to Washington, D.C. Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution's countless treasures where it's your choice! Visit the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Among the National Air and Space Museum's collection are the Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module. The National Museum of American History features the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the national anthem; the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by America's First Ladies, and more. The evening is free to explore on your own.

Washnigton, D.C.: Take a guided tour of America's capital featuring wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Our first stop is the White House Visitor Center where you retrace the story of the historic residence. Continue with a stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Finally, make a photo stop at the U.S. Capitol building. This afternoon, visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George Washington. Wander the lush plantation grounds and tour the home filled with 18th-century artifacts. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner.

* NOTE:Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.